The black-and-tan coloured dog, believed to be between two and three years old, was confined in a dog-crate when a member of the public spotted him at 7.30am on Saturday morning next to tennis courts in a Rotten Row park.

The RSPCA believe he had been left there the previous night.

Animal collection officer Derek Hampson said: “He was obviously quite distressed when he was found. There was a white duvet in the crate with him, but no food or water, and of course it was a very cold night.”

Winston was wearing a black ‘comfy-collar’, half chain and half leather, but did not possess an identification tag or a microchip.

He was not microchipped and he is described as thin, but is thought to be healthy, and is now being cared for by RSPCA Southport, Birkdale, and District Branch where staff have nicknamed him ‘Winston’.

ACO Hampson said: “Abandoning an animal in this way is never acceptable.

“There is plenty of help and advice available for pet owners who are struggling, not just from the RSPCA but many other organisations as well.”

Anyone who is interested in offering him a new home should contact the animal centre on 01704 567264.

Abandoned dog rescued by passers-by in Banks and one of Southport’s best-loved hounds has passed away - turn to page 29 for the full stories.